Modoc Rock Shelter is a site significant for its archaeological evidence of the culture of Archaic Indians in the Eastern United States. Evidence from the site, including four seaparate periods of Archaic occupation and one of prehistoric Indians of a later period, suggests that the cultures of the Indians in the Eastern Woodlands may have been comparable in age to the big game hunting cultures of the Great Plains. It is basically a rock overhang, someplace to get out of the rain, more open than a cave, but better than nothing.
It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1961.
(from [www.wikipedia.org](http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modoc_Rock_Shelter).

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Modoc Rock Shelter is a site significant for its archaeological evidence of the culture of Archaic Indians in the Eastern United States. Evidence from the site, including four seaparate periods of Archaic occupation and one of prehistoric Indians of a later period, suggests that the cultures of the Indians in the Eastern Woodlands may have been comparable in age to the big game hunting cultures of the Great Plains. It is basically a rock overhang, someplace to get out of the rain, more open than a cave, but better than nothing.
It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1961.

Ste. Genevieve (Ste. Geneviève with French spelling) is a city in Ste. Genevieve County, Missouri, United States. The population was 4,476 people at the 2000 census. A former French colonial town, it is the county seat of Ste. Genevieve County.
Native Americans had lived in this area thousands of years before any European contact.
Ste. Geneviève is the oldest permanent European settlement in Missouri, founded in 1735 or before by French-Canadian habitants about two miles south of its present location on the west banks of the Mississippi River. Named for the patron saint of Paris, it is the oldest European town west of the Mississippi River in the area of New France. Later it would be part of the Louisiana Purchase.
At the time of its founding, Ste. Genevieve became one of a triangle of French settlements in the mid-Mississippi Valley Illinois Country (as it was called by the French). On the other side of the river were Fort de Chartres, Illinois, the official capital of the

Renault, Illinois (pronounced REE-nalt or re-NALT) is a small unincorporated community in the historic Renault Precinct of Monroe County, Illinois.
Renault and its surrounding precinct within Monroe County, bear the name of one of the most conspicuous men connected with the early French settlements of Illinois. Philip Francois Renault, left his native Picardy, France in 1719 for the New World. Along the way, he picked up 500 African slaves in Santo Domingo, for use in the mines he expected to develop, these were the first slaves of their kind brought to Illinois. In 1723 Renault was granted “in freehold, in order to make his establishment upon the mines” of a tract of land a league and a half in a width by six in depth on the “Little Marameig” in Upper Louisiana (Missouri); another tract of two leagues “at the mine called the mine of Lamothe;” another of one league in front of Pimeteau on the river Illinois; and “one league fronting on the Mississippi, at the place calle

﻿It is located on Bluff Road between Fults and Prairie du Rocher. Itis near Fults Hill Prairie. No parking area. Just park along theroad.Kidd Lake State Natural Area is an example of the once expansivewetlands of the Mississippi floodplain known as the AmericanBottoms. The marsh was historically part of an 800-acre lake bed,and was once home to a variety of wetland birds, some now rare inIllinois. It is an important rest stop for migrating waterfowl andcontinues to provide critical habitat to a diverse range of birds,as well as amphibians and reptiles.Visitors are welcome, but please help protect the area by notdisturbing or removing anything. All natural features are protectedby law.

﻿Contains the largest complex of the highest quality, essentiallyundisturbed loess hill prairies along the Mississippi River inIllinois, including the largest single prairie opening. From the Illinois State site: The 997-acre Fults Hill PrairieState Natural Area is owned and managed by the Illinoois Departmentof Natural Resources (IDNR). Most of this unique natural area waspurchased between 1970 and 1976. From the uplands of Fults HillPrairie Nature Preserve to the lowlands of Kidd Lake Marsh, avariety of plants and animals can be found, some common and somefound nowhere else in the state.Fults Hill Prairie Nature Preserve consists of 532 acres ofuplands and includes woodland, prairie and glade communities. Ithas the largest complex of high quality loess hill prairies inIllinois. Prairies were once the dominant natural community inIllinois. The Illinois Nature Preserve system was established togive the highest level of protection to the state's few remaininghigh quality natural areas; this site was dedicated as a preservein 1970. In 1986 it was recognized federally by the U.S. Departmentof Interior as a National Natural Landmark.

﻿Between May 1804 and September 1806, 31 men, one woman, and a babytraveled from the plains of the Midwest to the shores of thePacific Ocean. They called themselves the Corps of Discovery. Intheir search for a water route to the Pacific Ocean, they opened awindow onto the west for the young United States.

This hike has a deep descent to the canyon floor, where the trail is easy to hiker and follow. There is a small creek that you will have to cross, this could be a problem during wet weather.Trailhead: From Farmington, Mo. go East on 32 until you come to C. Make left on C go 4 miles to Sprott Rd. Left on Sprott rd to parking lot. (Lat:37.89979 Lon:-90.29361)Trail Guides for Hickory Canyons Trail:Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer,User Groups: Hikers,Ranger Contact: Mo. Dept. of Conservation 573-756-6488Trail Reviews Submit your own reviewReviewed by anne on 4/5/2004 i loved the site! it was so

This trail is arguably the best, most scenic trail in the state. It has a little bit of everything, unusual rock formations, beautiful creeks, old forests, panoramic views, and wildlife. The trail can be strenuous at times, but the climbs are worthwhile as they afford fantastic views of the surrounding mountains. There is a connector trail that allows this trail to be cut in half to make a very nice shortened day hike. There are three backpacking campsites along the trail to accommodate an extended trip. This is one trail that should not be missed!Trailhead: There is ample parking and well mar

This is a very easy hike. There aren't any senic overlooks, or spectacular vistas, however it is an enjoyable hike with a few rock outcroppings along the way.Trailhead: From Farmington, Mo., take 32 east to County road 144. Turn right at 144 follow to Hawn State Park entrance.Turn right at stop sign trailhead is located there. (Lat:37.82901 Lon:-90.24482)Trail Guides for White Oaks Trail:Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer,User Groups: Hikers,Ranger Contact: Mo. Dept of Natural Resources. 1-800-379-2419 or Hawn S.P. 573-883-3603Trail Reviews Submit your own reviewNotice: Traveling in the backco

﻿Ball Mill Resurgence Pit, located along County Road 914 in thenorthern portion of Perry County is a large sinkhole resurgencepit. The area sits on approximately 20 acres and is owned by theLAD Foundation and leased to the Missouri Department ofConservation. A resurgence pit is a geologic feature that allowssurface water to drain into the ground, while at the same time itallows excess water from Perry County's intricate cave system tovent through the opening. This geological natural area contains asinkhole that normally acts as a water drain, but backs up as aspring after heavy rains. The resurgence acts as a natural rocktumbler which smooths and rounds angular rock fragments that fallinto it. The area is forested and also contains several small, drysinkholes. Resurgence pits such as Ball Mill are very rare andspectacular. The pit is located a quarter mile off the roadway, butthe trail is very well maintained and marked.

﻿Ball Mill Resurgence Pit, located along County Road 914 in thenorthern portion of Perry County is a large sinkhole resurgencepit. The area sits on approximately 20 acres and is owned by theLAD Foundation and leased to the Missouri Department ofConservation. A resurgence pit is a geologic feature that allowssurface water to drain into the ground, while at the same time itallows excess water from Perry County's intricate cave system tovent through the opening. This geological natural area contains asinkhole that normally acts as a water drain, but backs up as aspring after heavy rains. The resurgence acts as a natural rocktumbler which smooths and rounds angular rock fragments that fallinto it. The area is forested and also contains several small, drysinkholes. Resurgence pits such as Ball Mill are very rare andspectacular. The pit is located a quarter mile off the roadway, butthe trail is very well maintained and marked.

﻿"The forces of time have created Pickle Springs Natural Area. thefoundation was laid 500 million years ago as the sandy beaches ofan ancient sea were whipped by waves and frozen in time as LamotteSandstone. Eons passed, burying the sandstone under layers ofdeposits, until erosion exposed it nearly one million years ago.Further erosion exposed it nearly one million years ago. Furthererosion sculpted tunnels, arches, cliffs, waterfalls and the giantsandstone boulders called hoodoos.More recently (300,000 to 10,000 years ago) Mammoths wanderedthrough these canyons grazing on the lush boreal vegatation pushedsouth by the great glaciers.Today we walk in the Mammoths footprints among plants leftbehind by the ice age, and gaze at the slices of time preserved inthe sandstone walls of Pickle Springs Natural Area" - sign attrailheadThere is trail which is about 2 miles long and will take an houror more depending on the amount of time one spends at thewaterfalls, rock formations and plant life. Be sure to pick up abrochure at the trail head which will explain the plant life andgeological formation you will encounter along the walk. Thesignificant geological formations have signs which correspond withthe entries in the brochure.

﻿This is an old city park in an old coal mining community. The parkis one square block and contains a war memorial, playground,pavillions, picnic tables, band shell, coal miners monument, museumbuilding housed in an old school building, and old trees.

If you like unique and unusual rock formations,this trail provides just that. The trail is well maintained, there are some steep uphill climbs, and several bridged creek crossings. While hiking this trail I saw 2 deer, 1 turtle, and several lizards.Trailhead: From Farmington, Mo., go east on 32 to AA turn right go 1.5 miles turn left at sign (Lat:37.80045 Lon:-90.322)Trail Guides for Trail Through Time:Missouri Conservation Atlasby Mo. Dept. of Conservation (Mo. Dept. of Conservation)Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer,User Groups: Hikers, Dogs,Ranger Contact: Mo. Dept. of Conservation. 1-800-3

﻿Kimmswick is located along the banks of the Mississippi River just22 miles south of St. Louis. The area along Rock Creek contained 14mineral springs that were a source of salt for early NativeAmericans. In 1779 Thomas Jones established a salt works but had toabandon the endeavor due to hostile raids by local tribes. Duringthe colonial era there were two main modes of travel available toarea inhabitants. Using boats or canoes on the Mississippi providedthe easiest form of transportation, particularly for destinationsdownriver. The history of the town itself begins when Theodore Kimm, asuccessful St. Louis dry goods merchant and native of Brunswick,Germany, moved to Jefferson County in 1850 and purchased a largetact of land. In 1858 the St. Louis Iron Mountain and SouthernRailroad laid track through his land. The town was platted by Kimmalong the tracks of the railroad along the Mississippi River at themouth of Rock Creek in 1859.~from GreatRiverRoad.comMissouri DNR fact sheet("http://www.dnr.mo.gov/env/wpp/tmdl/info/1714-rock-ck-info.pdf"target="_blank"&gt;visit link)

﻿PARK HISTORYThe land that is now Bee Tree County Park was previously owned bySouthwestern Bell Telephone Company founder, Eugene Nims, who builtthe mansion in 1929 and used it as a weekend retreat. The house,designed by the foremost St. Louis architectural firm at the time,Maritz &amp; Young, is eligible for listing in the NationalRegister of Historic Places. It was Nims who established theextensive gardens.The property was purchased by St. Louis County in April 1986with funds donated by the Open Space Foundation and matchingFederal funds. Lindell Gordon and R. Walston Chubb wereinstrumental in raising the Open Space funds. Bee Tree features amemorial garden and fountain dedicated to Mr. Gordon, and anoverlook dedicated to Mr. Chubb. Gordon was a trust officer of theMississippi Valley Trust Company while Chubb was a noted St. LouisAttorney.The 1969 Bond Issue funds were used to develop the park’sfacilities. It was completed and opened in the fall of 1973;dedicated in April of 1974. The Chubb Pavilion was designed bylandscape architect John Mareing and funded by Friends of R. WalsonChubb. The pavilion was dedicated October 1981. An additionalplayground and shelter was added in 1997. The lake was deepened in2000 and given an accessible fishing dock. The lake is stocked bythe Missouri Department of Conservation under a managementcontract.The Nims Mansion is leased to the Golden Eagle River Museum, avolunteer non-profit organization founded by James Swift and othersto preserve the lore of river steamboating.Bee Tree Park is included in the Mississippi River Greenway.LINDELL GORDON MEMORIAL GARDENLindell Gordon was a St. Louis businessman and a trust officer forThe Mississippi Valley Trust Company. When the weekend retreat oftelephone executive Eugene D. Nims went on the market, Gordon,along with the help of Walston Chubb, raised $197,000 through theOpen Space Foundation in order to purchase the land. With matchingfunds from the federal government they were able to purchase theland and give it to St. Louis County for use as a park. At the timethe park was purchased Lindell Gordon was fatally ill. A memorialgarden now bears his name, as well as a memorial fountain with theinscription; “ The imprint of a dying leaf is wondrous tobehold.”FRISBEE SHELTEREmmett Lyle Frisbee was born on March 31, 1921. He began in theParks Department in 1951 as a Parks Maintenance Equipment Operator.He was promoted to Park keeper in 1960, and to Parks RegionalSupervisor in 1965. He retired from the Parks Department in 1979. Ashelter at Bee Tree Park has been named in his honor.LOWER SHELTERJack Lower was born on July 1, 1918. He began working with theParks Department as a Parks Maintenance Man in 1955. He receivedseveral promotions, finally becoming a Parks Regional Supervisor in1973. When he died in December of 1984 he was still working at theParks Department. A shelter at Bee Tree Park has been named in hishonor.~ from St. Louis County Parks website(visit link)

﻿Mississippi River Fishing Mountain Bike Riding Trail Horseback Riding Trail 3.5 Mile Hiking Trail Cliff Cave is a generally shallow cavern that can be explored byqualified individuals and groups for a distance of nearly 2000feet. Those desiring to explore MUST HAVE a reservation made bycalling 314-615-4FUN.Indicate name of adult trip leader on permit.No more than two permits at the same time.Permits issued for hours between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.Use handout sheet sent with permit.~ from St. Louis County websiteWebsite about the cave by St. Louis Community College ProfessorMichael Fuller(visit link)Park History(visit link)

﻿Cliff Cave is a generally shallow cavern that can be explored byqualified individuals and groups for a distance of nearly 2000feet. Those desiring to explore MUST HAVE a reservation made bycalling 314-615-4FUN. Indicate name of adult trip leader on permit.No more than two permits at the same time.Permits issued for hours between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.Use handout sheet sent with permit.806 Cliff Cave Rd., St. Louis, MO 63129~ from St. Louis County websiteCliff Cave, also known as Indian Cave (Archaeological Survey ofMO no. 23SL895 and MO Speleological Survey no. SLO-013), is aimportant historic and archaeological site in Missouri. The cave isprotected within Cliff Cave County Park, and can only be exploredby permit from the St. Louis County Dept. of Parks and Recreation.A brief description of Cliff Cave is contained in Caves of Missouriby J. Harlan Bretz (1956:436-437).Rock walls in the entrance of the cave were built by the CliffCave Wine Company in the 1800s. One tradition about the cave isthat it was used for beer storage in the early 1900s. Flint wasteflakes embedded in the clay floor of the entrance are evidence ofNative American use of the cave before the 1700s. It is safe toassume that Cliff Cave/Indian Cave was used during the ArchaicPeriod (ca. 7000 to 1000 BC) like other caves and rockshelters inMissouri and Illinois.The large passageways near the mouth of the cave have been badlyvandalized by spray paint. Over half of the cave floor has been dugaway by historic commercial activity and looting. Please do nothurt this cave anymore! Do no dig in it. Do not spray paint itswalls. Do not harm the bad [sic] colony. Please.A 3 foot/1 meter water fall and associated pool of water islocated approximately 200 ft. from the entrance of the cave andexactly at the point where the passageway turns and total darknessis encountered. Professor Michael Fuller suspects that NativeAmericans would have seen this pool as the home of a Wakon (Osage,spirit being). Why? At present, the cave stream is almost dead andsupports only a few frogs and cave isopods (Caecidotea sp). Itwould have supported albino crayfish (Cambarus sp.), albinosalamanders (Typhlotriton spelaeus) and blind fish ( Typhlichthyssubterraneus) before urban pollution destroyed the fragile habitatof the cave. The albino and eyeless lifeforms in the cave streamwould have thrived in the 3 ft. deep pool; their errie featureswould have been seen as supernatural manifestations. Big Brown Bat(Eptesicus fuscus) and the Eastern Pippistrelle (Pippistrellussubflavus) still use the cave. Their droppings would have provideda food resource for the cave life living in the undergroundstream.Cliff Cave was the site of a tragic caving accident in 1993. Ifyou want to stay safe then remain in the high ceiling portions ofthe cave and do not go into the crawlway passages. A natural bridgeapproximately 400 feet from the entrance is an interesting naturalfeature where the original phraetic tube cave passageway (above) isseparated from the later vadose passageway (underneath). Cliff Cavehas very few "typical" Ozark cave formations such as flowstone,stalactites or stalagmites. Several portions of scalloped bedrockin this area could be mistaken as reptilian flesh or shed snakeskin. It is easy to recognize them as natural cave features underbright flashlights, but smoking cane torches would have provided alow level of light for prehistoric cavers and these features wouldhave been interpreted as manifestations of Wakon.Map of Cliff Cave prepared in 1982 showing 4,726 feet of cave.Provided by the Missouri Geological Survey, Rolla. Print this mapoff and take it with you if you are going to visit the cave. Onlyvisit the cave under permit of St. Louis County Parks andRecreation.Is there an explanation for the name "Indian Cave"? The cave has4 entrances and literally "breathes" (produces a mist) duringextremely cold winter days. It is very likely that the Osage andIllini people believed it to be inhabited by a Wakon (Osage, spiritbeing) during the days when the mist issues from the mouth of thecave. The cave is used by bats during certain months and someNative American traditions linked bats with the supernatural world.It is possible that Native American rock art once decorated thewalls, but that will be hard to prove or disprove with all themodern graffiti. Professor Michael Fuller and Ranger Dennis Hoganbriefly examined some likely portions of the cave wall, but foundno immediate evidence. A thorough survey of the cave walls has notbeen done. Contract Professor Fuller or the Archaeological Surveyof Missouri if you know of prehistoric rock art sites.Notes on the History of the CaveHuman Discovery?7850 BC to 6170 BC - Graham Cave Dates6580 BC to 5750 BC - Modoc Dates2150 - 1550 B.C. Titterington Phase at ModocAD 1600s Osage or Illini see the cave as sacred?AD 1700s - French fur trappers make cave into a tavern1749 - John Baptiste D'Gamache receives cave and land in SpanishLand Grantearly 1800s - Crystal City steamboat sunk at nearby Landing1830s - Cliff Cave Wine Company formed - masonry work in cave1850s - Two cattle thieves used cave or band of outlaws?1860s - Confederate soldiers rendezvous at the cave1871 - Cliff Cave Wine Company made 3000 gallons of wine (St. Louisthe Future Great City of the World, 1871, page 81).1879 - Cliff Cave Wine Company shut down1898 - Cave a recreation spot for volunteer soldiers from JeffersonBarracks and they build a saloon in the entrance.ca. 1910 - Anheuser-Busch leased cave. Stored beer was cooled byblocks of ice cut from the frozen river during the winter.1920s - SpeakEasies along Cliff Cave Road. Mob dumped bodies incave1963 - County Police consider blasting shut the entrance at requestof owner, Mr. H. Harold Pettus. He was mad after 75 highschool kidsgo into cave. One 18 year old student lost for 2 hours.August 1965 - Cave partially mapped.1966 - Cave report filed with MSS1981 - Cave fully mapped by Adam Marty, J. Marty, and S.Bielawski23 July 1993 - Four counselors and 16 boys from St. Joseph's Homefor Boys enters Cliff Cave. Many groups from the home had visitedthe cave during the summer. This group did not have a counselorwith experience in the cave. Not enough flash lights. 2 PM Flashflood in the right hand crawlway while a small group is exploring.Sunny day, although a flash flood warning was in effect. Roadclosed sign leading to cave. Went right when they should have goneleft and crawled to the Drapery Room but never found the otherentrances. Bad directions. Foolish choices, poor judgment, tragicoutcome.Darnell Redmond (31)Jennifer Metherd (21)Terrill Vincent (12)Emmett Terry (9)Tarrell Battle (10)Melvin Bell (10)Gary Mahr (13) survived[1996 Jury awards $400,000 to Gary Mahr for trauma. TerrillVincent's mother received $100,000; 3 other families had lawsuitsthat they settled out of court with Catholic Charities]~ from website by St. Louis Community College Professor MichaelFuller (visit link)CLIFF CAVE, in the town of Oakville, in southeastern Saint LouisCounty, Missouri, has been a popular destination for revelers,ne'er-do-wells, and explorers for centuries. This cave is not thelargest in the area, nor is it the most beautiful, but instead itis the most easily accessible cave for locals. The Saint Louisarea, even the City itself, has many caves; but their entrances areobscure: some are hidden beneath locked manhole covers, whileothers are kept as reserves for bats and unique cave fauna, theirwhereabouts kept secret by the local speleological society. Thiscave, however, is well known.~ from Rome of the West(visit link)

﻿Long before most of the really showy flowers bloom, entire fieldsof henbit turn reddish-purple with its flowers. It is an importantnectar and pollen plant for bees, especially honeybees, where ithelps start the spring buildup. Individually it is quiteinconspicuous but combined with other henbit, it can be quitebreath taking. It is an annual and its blooming is quite shortlived.

This trail has a steep climb at the beginning, but is fairly level overall. There are some rocks in the trail making for tricky footing in places. There are also two wooden bridges to cross. A point of interest, is the deep sink hole located along the trail, and an old shack.Trailhead: St. Francois State Park is located 5 miles N. of Bonne Terre, Mo. Go to restroom parking lot. Start out on the Missouri trail behind restrooms, at trail split, go right, this will take you to the trail. (Lat:37.95513 Lon:-90.52913)Trail Guides for Swimming Deer Trail:Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer,User Group

This trail is well maintained and marked. It follows Coonville Creek. There are several creek crossings that may be difficult to cross during wet weather. There are also some moderate uphill climbs.Trailhead: St. Francois St. Park is 5 miles North of Bonne Terre, Mo. Turn right at sign on Hwy.67. Park at the picnic area on the left approx one-half mile into park. (Lat:37.95912 Lon:-90.53394)Trail Guides for Mooners Hollow Trail:Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer,User Groups: Hikers,Ranger Contact: St. Francois S.P./ Missouri Dept. of Natural Resources. 573-358-2173Trail Reviews Submit your own

﻿Arnold City Park is located off Jeffco Blvd. and Bradley BeachRoad. The 68-acre park has an eight-acre fishing lake and fourpavilions, each with electric and BBQ pits. The park also has twoplaygrounds, a paved 1/2 mile walking trail, two softball fields,two horseshow pits, restrooms, and a tennis court. A boat ramp offof Jeffco Blvd. next to Hollywood Beach Road provides parking and apicnic area. Arnold City Park also offers a para-course, an outdoor coursewith areas designated for specific exercises. Pavilion reservationsmust be made through the Parks &amp; Recreation Department bycalling (636)282-2380.~from Arnold Parks and Recreation Department website

﻿Jefferson Barracks, established in 1826 as the country’s first“Infantry School of Practice,” served as a major militaryinstallation until 1946. Named in honor of former President ThomasJefferson, the post played an important role in westward expansion.Jefferson Barracks served as a gathering point for troops andsupplies bound for service in the Mexican War, Civil War, variousIndian conflicts, Spanish-American War, Philippine War, World War Iand World War II. Jefferson Barracks also served as the first ArmyAir Corps basic training site. Stephan W. Kearny, Zachary Taylor,Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee, U.S. Grant, William T. Sherman andPhilip Sheridan were a few of the famous Americans to serve atJefferson Barracks. Things To Do and See:Historic area, field archery, lighted ball field, 2.7-mile pavedtrail, cork ball field, and St. Louis County Veterans MemorialAmphitheater. Jefferson Barracks was a U.S. Army post from 1826 to1946. The museum buildings were part of the ordnance section builtin the 1850s. Exhibits, educational programs and special events arepresented. Hours are 12 noon to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.For information call 314-638-2100.Museums in Jefferson Barracks(visit link)Reservable:Athletic FieldsFor baseball, softball, football, soccer and cork ball, dependingon the season. Call 314-638-2100 for more details and to makereservations.Field Archery RangeA 28-target range located on Gregg Road. Includes an open shelterand seasonal water. The South County Archers are the sponsoringorganizations which assist with the upkeep of the range.Disc Golf CourseNine-hole Frisbee golf course located west of Greg Road and northof the Blackhawk Shelter.St. Louis County Veterans Memorial AmphitheaterThe amphitheater is located in the historic section of the park. Itincludes a 31' by 26' stage overlooking a grass seating area thatwill accommodate up to 5,000 people. The stage includes lighting,fountains and electric outlets for sound systems. Drinking waterand restrooms available are sufficient for groups up to 600. Largergroups will need to make special arrangements for these services.Seating is not provided. The memorial also includes a small openshelter overlooking the Mississippi River and it has a capacity of30 people and has lights but no electrical outlets. The memorial isnot reservable on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve after 5 p.m.,Christmas Day or New Years Day.Camp CallenderFor youth and scouting organizations for overnight camping, it islocated in the northeast corner of the park near the historic area.It has seasonal water and restrooms with showers, tables andfirepits, but no electrical hookups or trailer dump station. For 20to 50 people for a maximum of three nights.Laborer's House GardenA garden area behind the house is suitable for weddings, teas, orother special events. For a maximum of 100 people.Museum PatioLovely view overlooking the Mississippi River. For a maximum of 500people.Picnic SitesConsists of a barbeque pit and about five picnic tables. Near thecorkball fields. For a maximum of 50 people.General Lee ShelterLocated near the historic area. Has electrical outlets, seasonalmodern restrooms, water, and a barbeque pit. For a maximum of 100people.Black Hawk ShelterLocated off Gregg Road on the west side of the park. Has electricaloutlets, seasonal modern restrooms, water and barbeque pit. For 0to 125 people.Atkinson ShelterLocated off Grant Road. Has barbeque pit for 0 to 100 people. Noelectric or water.Grant PavilionLocated off Gregg Road. Large facility 105' by 66' shelters 25tables and 200 chairs.~from St. Louis County websiteDetailed history of the park(visit link)

﻿PARK HISTORYOriginally known as Rock Springs, this was the site of the firstbivouac at Jefferson Barracks. A temporary camp was established onJuly 10, 1826, by four companies of the First U.S. InfantryRegiment under the command of Major Stephen Watts Kearny. It wasnamed Cantonment Adams, in honor of President John Quincy Adams. InSeptember of that year, a more permanent camp was started upstreamalong the Mississippi. This new post was called Jefferson Barracksin honor of Thomas Jefferson, who had died just six days prior toKearny’s arrival at Sylvan Springs.This portion of the Barracks remained largely unused until 1939,when the spring area was improved by the 6th Infantry with stoneretaining walls and terraces. Two years later enlisted men fromJefferson Barracks cleared underbrush, and built an amphitheater, adance floor, and baseball and football fields. The USO hosted manyshows here, the first being June 28, 1941. Among the well-knownperformers over the following years were Virginia Mayo, fan dancerSally Rand, Jeanette MacDonald and Judy Garland. The USO bandshellwas removed from the park in the 1970s.The Sylvan Springs property was conveyed to the County from theFederal Government in 1950 and was dedicated on October 23, 1954.It was one of the most popular parks for many years. Each May theMain parking lot at Ordinance Shelter becomes the site of numerousschool and corporate picnics. Beginning in 1964, carnival rides areoffered during that season. In 1965, St. Louis businessman HowardC. Ohlendorf gave the carousel from the old Forest Park HighlandsAmusement Park to the County. The carousel operated at SylvanSprings from 1966 until 1979.The Bi-State Development Corporation created a parking lot atSylvan Springs in 1981. The County Transit Fund contributed $50,000and Parks allowed the lot to be used for commuter parking.WOLSCHLAGER SHELTERClarence Wohlschlager first worked for St. Louis County as aconstable, from 1943 to 1947. After a three-month stint with theCounty Housing Authority, Wohlschlager became a park employee inNovember, 1947. He retired in February, 1969 and died in September1976. A shelter at Sylvan Springs Park has been named forhim.~from St. Louis County Parks website(visit link)Park Map(visit link)

﻿One of the earliest Spring flowers to bloom in our area is theSpring Beauty (Claytonia caroliniana). It is small low growingspring perrenial that grows well in grass fields. By the time thegrass needs mowing the spring beauty has bloomed.

﻿Amidon Memorial Conservation Area is a 1,630-acre area located onthe upper reaches of the Castor River in Bollinger and Madisoncounties. Evelyn and Ellsworth Amidon donated a portion of the areato the Conservation Department; other tracts were acquired fromprivate landowners and the U.S. Forest Service.The forest's timber species range from mixed hardwoods toshortleaf pine to cedar glades. A granite shut-ins on the CastorRiver adds an interesting geologic feature. The Driscoll Tractcontains 2 old grist mill sites that date back to the mid 1800s,lending a historical flavor to the area.Amidon Memorial Conservation Area is located south of StateHighway J, approximately 8 miles east of Fredericktown. County Road208 fords the Castor River on the area.Area Map(visit link)Area Brochure(visit link)